Funko Pop and Character Merch

Did you know that the playful and wildly popular Funko Pop! vinyl figures we see everywhere today started in 1998? Founded by Mike Becker, Funko aimed to bring nostalgic, fun, and affordable collectibles to fans everywhere. The real game changer came in 2010 when Funko introduced their now iconic Pop! line at the San Diego Comic-Con, featuring characters like Batman and Green Lantern. Today, you can find a Funko Pop for almost every character from every corner of pop culture, which brings me to a recent adventure I had at the Funko Pop Museum in Everett, Washington.

Walking into the museum, I was immediately struck by the diversity of characters transformed into these adorable figures. From horror icons like Pennywise to heroes like Iron Man, each Pop! encapsulates a unique story and a piece of pop culture history. This visit was more than just checking out cool figures; it was about seeing how characters connect with us and jump from the pages of books to the wider world of pop culture in such a real, fun way.

Some of my favorites to see were The Joker, King Kong and Hulk, Iron Man, and Stan Lee. It was surreal realizing that the characters we create as writers can have lives beyond the pages, inspiring merchandise that fans can hold in their hands.

Me as a Funko Pop!

The highlight of my visit was creating my own Funko Pop. I crafted a mini version of myself, which was fun to see myself as merch. I created mine cooking because cooking is one of my favorite hobbies.

For me, this trip reinforced the incredible potential of storytelling. It’s not just about writing books; it’s about creating characters that could one day become characters that might stand on shelves, spark conversations and inspire fans across the globe.

So, what character would you love to see as a Funko Pop? Or, if you could create your own, what would it look like? Share your thoughts and remember to keep on shivering!